URGENT UPDATE: The CIF state football playoffs are set to ignite this weekend, with several Bay Area teams vying for section championships and a coveted spot in the regionals. As the competition heats up, heavyweights like Pittsburg, Serra, and Los Gatos will hit the field, ready to battle for glory.
Kickoff: This Friday and Saturday, critical matchups will determine who continues their road to the championship. Fans are eager to see if teams like Monte Vista, Clayton Valley Charter, and St. Ignatius can extend their seasons by another week.
The CIF will release regional matchups and the Open Division state championship game schedule on November 21, 2025.
Friday, November 17, 2025:
– **Division I Final:** No. 3 Los Gatos (9-3) vs. No. 2 Serra (7-5) at San Jose City College, 7 p.m. This showdown features two storied programs. Los Gatos seeks to add to its legacy of 16 CCS titles, while Serra aims to bounce back from a recent defeat in the CCS Open championship.
– **Division I Final:** No. 2 Pittsburg (10-2) vs. No. 3 Cardinal Newman (11-1) at Diablo Valley College, 7 p.m. After a narrow loss to De La Salle last week, Pittsburg looks to secure its fifth consecutive Division I crown. Cardinal Newman has a potent offense led by running back Malakai, who has rushed for over 1,300 yards this season.
– **Division II Final:** No. 2 Monte Vista (7-5) vs. No. 4 Clayton Valley Charter (7-5) at Dublin HS, 7 p.m. Monte Vista is on the brink of its first NCS championship in nearly a decade, facing a formidable opponent in Luckey, who scored two touchdowns last week for Clayton Valley.
– **Division III Final:** No. 3 El Cerrito (10-2) vs. No. 5 Ukiah (8-4) at American Canyon HS, 7 p.m. El Cerrito is looking for its third NCS title in four years, while Ukiah aims to continue its impressive playoff run.
Saturday, November 18, 2025:
– **Division II Final:** No. 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral (6-6) vs. No. 1 St. Ignatius (6-6) at San Jose City College, 1 p.m. This fierce rivalry will reignite as the teams clash for the title, with both aiming for redemption after their last encounter ended in a 23-14 victory for SI.
– **Division IV Final:** No. 3 Lincoln-San Jose (9-3) vs. No. 1 Branham (7-5) at San Jose City College, 7 p.m. Lincoln seeks its first-ever section title, riding the momentum of star player Kyan Phillips, who has an astounding 35 total touchdowns this season.
– **Division V Final:** No. 2 Sobrato (8-4) vs. No. 1 Piedmont Hills (9-3) at MacDonald HS, 1 p.m. Piedmont Hills aims to repeat last year’s success, while Sobrato is looking for its first appearance in a CCS final.
– **Division VI Final:** No. 4 Fortuna (8-4) vs. No. 3 Bishop O’Dowd (8-4) at Moreau Catholic HS, 2 p.m. Both teams have a storied history, and this championship could add another trophy to their cabinets.
As excitement builds, fans and players alike are gearing up for a weekend filled with intense matchups that could define the future of these high school football programs. Stay tuned for updates as the results unfold!
